The fourth day of Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Southeast Asia, which runs from the 2nd to the 13th of this month, is dedicated to his journey from Indonesia to Papua New Guinea. The latter country is 5,700 kilometers further from Rome and has an eight-hour time difference with the Italian capital.
Farewell in Indonesia
On Friday, the Pontiff began his day with a private Mass at the nunciature in Jakarta, his accommodation during his stay in Indonesia. He then headed to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, where, in front of an honor guard, he greeted the Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo and other civil and religious authorities. The Pope boarded an Airbus A330, accompanied by journalists and the team in charge of his trip.
The Garuda Indonesia aircraft took off at around 6 a.m. After a six-hour flight, the Airbus landed at 12 noon local time (7 p.m. in Rome) at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.
Welcome Ceremony in Papua New Guinea
Upon his arrival, the Pope was greeted with a welcome ceremony presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. The ceremony included cannon salutes, a guard of honor, songs, floral offerings in traditional costumes and the presentation of various delegations. From the airport, the Pontiff went to the nunciature, where he will stay for four nights until Monday, September 9.
About Port Moresby
Port Moresby, colloquially known as Pom Town, is the capital and main city of Papua New Guinea, with a population of 350,000. The country, which has more than 10 million inhabitants, is known for its beaches, coral reefs and rainforests. During World War II, Port Moresby was a base of operations for the United States. Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia and Great Britain in 1975.
Political Context in Papua New Guinea
The political situation in Papua New Guinea is complex, characterized by a combination of political instability, corruption and socio-economic challenges. The country is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, with a prime minister as head of government and a governor-general representing the British monarch, Charles III.
Main Events of Pope Francis in Indonesia
During his stay in Indonesia, Pope Francis had several significant events:
- Meeting with Migrants: On his first day, the Holy Father met with migrants.
- Interreligious Dialogue: On the second day, the Pope called for interreligious dialogue, combating extremism and intolerance that distort religion. He also called for the formation of a more balanced social fabric and equitable social assistance.
- Interreligious Meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque: Yesterday, Thursday, the Pope visited the “tunnel of friendship” that connects the mosque with the Catholic cathedral. In a large tent, he signed a historic document with the Muslim leader of Southeast Asia: the “Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024.”
- Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium: Also yesterday afternoon, the Pope was greeted with choirs, applause and singing as he toured the stadium in the popemobile. There, he celebrated a mass inviting people to never tire of sowing.
This apostolic trip of Pope Francis highlights his commitment to interreligious dialogue and the promotion of peace and social justice in the region.
Pope’s Agenda for Tomorrow
Tomorrow’s day will begin with a courtesy visit to the Governor General of Papua New Guinea at Government House. The Pope will then meet with authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps at the Apec Haus. During the same day, he will visit the Caritas Technical Secondary School, where he will meet with children from Street Ministry, an organisation that supports disadvantaged children, as well as children from Callan Services, a network that cares for people with disabilities. The day will conclude with a meeting at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, where he will meet with the bishops of Papua, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, as well as priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians and catechists.
